Help an Amp Virgin Out!

[Imaginos]

Even though I've played bass for a while, I didn't start playing in a band until last summer. So, this far I've been using some 100 watt Fender solid-state amp from the 90s that happened to be lying around at the rehearsal place but would want to upgrade now. My budget is around 600 euros / dollars and I'm looking for something that would be loud enough for both bar and bigger gigs. I know that amps are often micced and thus played through PAs but I don't think a 300 - 400 watt amp would hurt.

So, what kind of head + cab combinations, solid-states or hybrids would you recommend? I'm looking for a vintageish, warm sound since the stuff we're playing is a mix between 70s rock n' roll and some funky vibrations. Sterile and cold tones are the bane of my ears. I know that with 600 euros my choices are more than limited but I guess I'm not looking for 2000 dollar Ampegs or anything like that.

Some stuff I've considered:
Ashdown 550 W 2X10 Combo Spyder
Marshall MB4210 450 W
or
Kustom DE 300 HD head (I've heard both good and bad stuff about this one)
with
Kustom DE410H cab

Also, Ashdown and Marshall have a few budget-priced heads and cabs I've been thinking. Shoot me with your suggestions! I'd prefer if the amps were in the Thomann catalogue.

[reubmister]

get the custom head i's a much higher quality unshure on the speakers though

[impactwrench]

I too would suggest the Kustom head/cab, simply because it is more manageable to carry and probably will give you the biggest sound. Other than that, I am not familiar with any of the amps on that website. Seems to be a lot of heavy combos though. Must be a lot of strong backs in europe

[Alex1984]

Orange Terror Bass and MarkBass heads would be good alternatives if you're in Europe.

Ampeg B100R has been talked about a lot, it has a warm tone and captures the vintage vibe, the downfall being power.

[Sartori]

Buy something used.

If you're on a budget, this is really what you need to do.

[Downunderwonder]

Sansamp or VT pedal into a power amp is a cheap way to go.

[Imaginos]

Originally Posted by Sartori

Buy something used.

If you're on a budget, this is really what you need to do.

I would do this unless us Finns weren't so goddamn stupid when it comes to selling used stuff: people are trying to sell six year old damaged stuff almost at the price of a new one. I'll rather pay 100 euros extra for the two to three year warranty than save money marginally at the risk of buying a faulty timebomb. Oh well, there are some nice bargains once in a while but they seem rare.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! Definitely going to consider buying a VT pedal to finetune my tone if need be.

[reubmister]

where would the vt pedal go in your pedal board out of curiosity?

[Sartori]

It's supposed to emulate an amp, right? So probably last.

[spaz21387]

hartke lh 500 or lh 1000 the lh500 is 300 shipped on amazon

[mouthmw]

Get a used Ampeg 410HLF cab.
Then get a head. Gallien Krueger has some good stuff and reasonably priced.
GK 800RB or GK 700RB-II are awesome heads.
GK + Ampeg = win combo in sound. Definitely not HI-FI, and you get great cutting in mix plus warmth.